Vehicle Suspension Augmentation Devices, Systems and Methods

ABSTRACT

Devices, systems and methods for replacing a factory installed or similar air suspension controller in a vehicle with an augmentor, which sends correct status messages to the vehicle main computer when the air suspension is replaced with coil springs or shocks. The augmentor can includes a voltage regulator, an indicator and bus interface. At power on, the program initializes the microcontroller registers, timer registers, and control registers, then loop until an inquiry or command is received, then responds with status messages that are the same as the status messages sent by the original factory installed air suspension controller until power is removed.

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/535,651 filed Jun. 28, 2012, now allowed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to automotive computer electronic buscommunication devices and systems and, in particular, to devices,systems and methods, for replacing a computerized air suspension modulewith an augmentation module to communicate with a main vehicle computerwhen air suspension systems are replaced with different suspensionsystems, such as with coils or shocks, the augmentor module prevents anerror message or error warning indicator light from appearing on thevehicle dashboard.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

Air suspension is a type of vehicle suspension powered by an electric orengine driven air pump or compressor. This compressor pressurizes theair, using the compressed air as a spring. Air suspension is often usedin place of conventional steel springs. Many types of luxury automobilesare equipped with air suspension systems to provide a smooth, constantride quality and in most cases a self-leveling system.

Vehicles that use air suspension today include models from Lexus®, JeepGrand Cherokee®, General Motors® vehicles, such as Cadillac®,Mercedes-Benz®, Land Rover®/Range Rover®, Audi®, Subaru®, Volkswagen®,and Lincoln®, among other types of sedans, sports cars and SUVs (sportutility vehicles).

Various types of air suspension designs can include height adjustablesuspension controlled by the driver, suitable for clearing rough terrainand some systems allow the driver to choose how sporty or comfortablethey want the suspension to feel. These suspension settings can also belinked to the memory seat system, which allows for the vehicle toautomatically adjust the suspension to the preferences of individualdrivers.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the components of a conventional priorart air suspension system that has been factory installed on a vehicle.As shown, the components of an air suspension 120 for each wheel 110includes an air spring, a solenoid valve, one at each spring, and aheight sensors. The air suspension system also includes a compressor130, a relief valve, and an air suspension controller 140. For example,the air suspension controller keeps the car at a preselected height byreading the height sensors at each wheel, and controlling thecompressor, solenoid valves and relief valves to adjust the ride heightfor each wheel to compensate for extra cargo.

Operationally, the factory installed module reports system errors to themain vehicle computer by the bus and the main computer sends controlmessages to the suspension module to adjust the air suspension based ondriving conditions and terrains. A status message sent by the suspensioncontroller can contain bits representing good status or bad status foreach height sensor and solenoid valve. A bad status message, such as“Check Air Suspension” can result in an advisory message to the driverbeing displayed as either or both a message and/or warning indicatorlight on the vehicle dashboard.

Status messages, such as an air bag or air strut failure can sometimesbe caused by wet rot, due to old age, or moisture within the air systemthat damages it from the inside, or air ride suspension parts can failbecause rubber dries out and punctures to the air bag which can becaused from debris on the road. With custom applications, improperinstallation can cause the air bags to rub against the vehicle's frameor other surrounding parts, damaging it. As time goes by, the suspensionis subject to extreme wear and the sagging poor shocks and springquality will make it difficult to properly align. This causes excessivewear to the all four tires and eventually ruins the great ride.

The factory installed air suspension repairs can be quite expensive suchas up $1,500 to approximately $5,000 per air spring, which means fourwheels would cost four times these amounts. The subject assignee hasstarted to offer spring coil conversion kits that can replace thefactory installed air suspension systems at a cost of up toapproximately $500 to approximately $1,500 to cover all four wheels on avehicle, which is a fraction of the costs for replacing the airsuspension systems with other air suspension systems. As such, forluxury type vehicles that are in good condition and have for example,200,000 miles or more, it would be more cost effective to use theassignees spring coils suspension kits instead of air spring suspensionsystems.

However, when the air suspension system are replaced with coil springsor different suspension systems, the air suspension control modulereports system errors to the main vehicle computer and the bad statusmessage results in either or both an advisory message (“Check AirSuspension System”) and/or a warning indicator light to the driver onthe vehicle dashboard, letting the driver and the passengers know thereis a problem with the suspension system. As such the message such as“Check Air Suspension System” and/or a warning indicator light stays onindicating that a problem exists. These dashboard warning messagesand/or lights will stay on causing an annoyance to the driver, since thewarning messages and/or lights cannot be easily turned off. Pastattempts such as but not limited to unscrewing a dashboard bulb and/orputting tape on the dashboard display are poor “band aid” treatmentsthat fail to stop these warning messages and/or indicator lights frombeing activated. Additionally, a continuous dashboard warning messageand/or warning indicator light can hurt the resale of the vehicles downthe road since potential buyers would be turned off by having thiswarning messages and warning indicators lights that stay continuouslyon, even though the vehicle is safe to drive.

To solve the problems associated with replacement of the air spring withcoil spring, an augmentation module that communicates with the maincomputer is needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A primary objective of the present invention is to provide methods,systems and devices for an augmentor module that replaces a vehicle airsuspension controller when the air suspension springs are replaced withcoil springs and shocks.

A secondary objective of the present invention is to provide a method,system and device for an augmentor module that receives inquires andcommands from the vehicle main computer and responds with a correctstatus message.

A third objective of the present invention is to provide methods,systems and devices for an augmentor modules using CAN bus, GM J1850 VPWbus, Ford UBP bus, ISO 9141 bus, and LIN bus that run on amicrocontroller board for use with air suspension replacement kits.

A fourth objective of the present invention is to provide methods,systems and devices for an augmentor module that allows the vehicle toremain in service without the “Check Air Suspension” or other type ofwarning message light on the dashboard instrument panel.

A fifth objective of the present invention is to provide methods,systems and devices that allow for replacing factory installed vehiclesystems which communicate status messages with a vehicle main computerwith different aftermarket products that prevents dashboard warningmessages and warning indicators lights from being activated.

A sixth objective of the present invention is to provide methods,systems and devices that allow for replacing factory installed vehiclesystems which communicate status messages with a vehicle main computerwith different aftermarket products that continues to send automatedmessages to an onboard vehicle computer that the original factoryinstalled vehicle systems are still running and are operational withoutany problems.

The invention includes an augmentor module which replaces an existingair suspension controller and communicates with the vehicle maincomputer. The augmentor module can be used when the existing airsuspension components adjacent to each wheel is replaced with othertypes of suspension components such as coil springs and shocks. Theaugmentor module can receive interrogatories from a main vehiclecomputer and responds back with operational status messages. Theaugmentor module prevents at least one of: an error message fromappearing on a vehicle dashboard and an error warning indicator lightfrom being activated on the vehicle dashboard.

An embodiment of a novel augmentor module can include a connector tomate with an air suspension controller connector on a vehicle wiringharness, a microcontroller executing a set of instructions to respond tomessages from a vehicle main computer with a corresponding operationstatus message, and a bus interface to interface the microcontrollerwith the vehicle main computer.

The set of instructions can include an initialization subset ofinstructions to initialize the microcontroller, a loop set ofinstructions to continuously monitor for an input message, and a statusset of instructions to send the operation status message in response toreceiving the input message. The initialization subset of instructionscan include an instruction to clear one or more microcontrollerregisters.

The bus interface can include a bus interface selected from a groupconsisting of CAN bus, GM J1850 VPW bus, Ford UBP bus, ISO 9141 bus, andLIN bus.

The augmentor module can include a voltage regulator to regulate powersupplied to the microcontroller. The augmentor module can include anindicator LED which is illuminated under computer control by theaugmentor module.

The corresponding operation status message can include a good systemstatus message sent to the vehicle main computer which prevents at leastone of: an error message from appearing on a vehicle dashboard and anerror warning indicator light from being activated on the vehicledashboard.

A method for simulating a vehicle air suspension controller can includethe steps of replacing an air suspension controller with an augmentormodule, connecting the augmentor module to an existing air suspensioncontroller connector on a vehicle wiring harness, and receiving messagesfrom a vehicle main computer and sending a status message from theaugmentor module in response with a corresponding operation statusmessage.

The providing step can include the steps of providing a microcontrollerexecuting a set of instructions to respond to the messages from avehicle main computer with the corresponding operation status message,and providing a bus interface between the microcontroller and thevehicle main computer.

The step of providing a bus interface can include the step of selectingthe bus interface from a group consisting of CAN bus, GM J1850 VPW bus,Ford UBP bus, ISO 9141 bus, and LIN bus.

The step of providing a microcontroller executing a set of instructioncan include the steps of initializing the microcontroller, continuouslymonitoring for an input message, and sending the status message inresponse to receiving the input message.

The initializing can include the step of clearing one or moremicrocontroller registers.

The step of sending the status message can include the step of sending agood system status message to the vehicle computer which prevents atleast one of: an error message from appearing on a vehicle dashboard andan error warning indicator light from being activated on the vehicledashboard.

A modified air suspension system can include both a coil spring andshock absorber to replace an existing air suspension component, and anaugmentor module to replace an air suspension controller, the augmentormodule can be in communication with a vehicle main computer to receivemessages from the vehicle main computer and send a status message inresponse, wherein the augmentor module prevents at least one of: anerror message from appearing on a vehicle dashboard and an error warningindicator light from being activated on the vehicle dashboard.

The augmentor module can include a connector to mate with an airsuspension controller connector on a vehicle wiring harness, amicrocontroller executing a set of instructions to respond to messagesfrom a vehicle main computer with a corresponding status message, and abus interface to interface the microcontroller with the vehicle maincomputer.

The set of instructions can include an initialization subset ofinstructions to initialize the microcontroller, a loop set ofinstructions to continuously monitor for an input message, and a statusset of instructions to send a status message in response to receivingthe input message.

The initialization subset of instructions can include an instruction toclear one or more microcontroller registers.

The bus interface can include a bus interface selected from a groupconsisting of CAN bus, GM J1850 VPW bus, Ford UBP bus, ISO 9141 bus, andLIN bus.

The system can further include a voltage regulator to regulate powersupplied to the microcontroller, and an LED indicator illuminated undercomputer control by the augmentor module.

Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent fromthe following detailed description of preferred embodiments which areillustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main components of a conventionalprior art automobile air suspension system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main components of an augmentedautomobile air suspension system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the air suspension augmentormodule of the present invention.

FIG. 4 a is a top view of an example of an air suspension augmentormodule.

FIG. 4 b is a perspective view of the air suspension augmentor module ofFIG. 4 a.

FIG. 4 c is a front view of the air suspension augmentor module of FIG.4 b.

FIG. 4 d is a side view of the air suspension augmentor module of FIG. 4b.

FIG. 5 is an operational flow diagram showing the operation of the airsuspension augmentor module.

FIG. 6 is an operational flow diagram showing an example of respondingto a message as a continuation of the flow diagram shown in FIG. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention indetail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in itsapplication to the details of the particular arrangements shown sincethe invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminologyused herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

The following is a list of reference numerals used in the descriptionand the drawings to identify components:

-   100 air suspension system-   110 wheel-   120 air spring-   130 compressor-   140 air suspension controller-   200 modified suspension system-   220 coil spring and shock-   240 augmentor module-   300 air suspension augmentor circuit board-   310 microcontroller-   320 bus interface-   330 voltage regulator-   335 LED-   340 harness connector-   400 module housing

The term “augmentor” is a word made up by the inventors to describe theair suspension “agmentor” module of the present invention. The AirSuspension Augmentor is an electronic supplement/substitute for the airsuspension controller provided as original equipment by the automanufacturer.

The present invention provides methods, systems and devices for an AirSuspension Augmentor module connected with the automotive communicationbus used in the Air Suspension systems of various vehicles. FIG. 1 is ablock diagram showing the components of a conventional automotive airsuspension system. As shown, the components of an air suspension systemconsisting of air springs 120 for each wheel 110 includes an air spring,a solenoid valve and height sensors for each wheel. The air suspensionsystem also includes a compressor 130, a relief valve, and an AirSuspension controller 140. The automotive buses used in air suspensionsystems include CAN bus, J1850 VPW, LIN bus, Ford UBP bus, and ISO 9141bus, for example. The vehicle has a main computer module thatcommunicates with an air suspension controller via one of these bustypes.

If any air suspension system components fail, perhaps because of normalwear after several years, replacement parts can be expensive, andreplacing the air suspension components with conventional coil springsand shocks can be a cost effective way to keep the vehicle in service.However, this type of replacement can involve disconnecting or switchingoff the air suspension controller, which is not used with theconventional coil spring and shock components. The modified airsuspension system allows the vehicle to remain in service, but the“Check Air Suspension” warning message on the instrument panel is adistracting artifact of the previous system. The addition of the AirSuspension Augmentor electronic module 240 of the present inventionrestores the good system status message to the vehicle computer andkeeps the error message from appearing by sending a correct statusmessage to the vehicle main computer.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main components of an augmentedautomobile air suspension system according to the present invention.When the air suspension systems springs 120 are replaced with othersuspension components, such as coil springs and shocks 20, thecompressor and the air suspension controller 140 are removed and anaugmentor module 240 is connected to the vehicle system bus incommunication with the vehicle main computer. FIG. 3 is a schematicblock diagram showing an example of an augmentor module according to anembodiment of the present invention.

The augmentor module can include an embedded microcontroller 310connected with a bus interface integrated circuit 320 and a connectorthat mates with the connector on the vehicle wire harness to the maincomputer module. Different automobile manufacturers can have differentbus structures that allow the main computer to communicate with variouscontrollers, such as the air suspension controller 140.

The auto industry generally uses several communication busses withdifferent electrical specifications and different packetstructures/protocols. Examples of auto communication busses include CAN(Controller Area Network) on all cars from 2008 and newer, SAE J1850 VPWon GM cars before 2008, and ISO 9141 on Japanese and Chrysler® carsbefore 2008. The present invention can provide separate air suspensionaugmentor modules each using one of the CAN bus, GM J1850 VPW bus, FordUBP bus, ISO 9141 bus, and LIN bus that run on a microcontroller board300 that can be sold with air suspension kits. The air suspensionaugmentor software programs can be written in ANSI C and are containedin the microcontroller 310 on the circuit board 300.

The augmentor module supplies the proper message/packet on the bus withthe same timing, protocol, and content as the factory controller foreach bus type. The augmentor module can consist of a microcontroller 310with firmware connected with a bus interface integrated circuit 320 forthe type of bus used in the particular vehicle and includes a voltageregulator 330 and indicator LED 335. The augmentor module is a node onthe automotive bus and can read and write packets on the bus and doesnot interfere with the other nodes communicating on the bus at the sametime. Each augmentor module should be purposely designed for the makeand model of auto that it is installed in, but the overall concept isthat the augmentor module supplies the same packets on the bus with thesame timing that the factory controller provides when the system isworking as designed.

FIG. 4 b is a perspective view of an example of an air suspensionaugmentor module for a Cadillac 2007 for purpose of example. FIG. 4 a isa top view, FIG. 4 c is a front view and FIG. 4 d is a side view of theair suspension augmentor module of FIG. 4 b. The circuit board 300 shownin FIG. 3 is enclosed inside the housing 400 with the connector 340exposed for connection with the vehicle wiring harness for communicationwith the vehicle main computer.

When the air suspension system is replaced with coil springs or shocksthe air suspension controller is disconnected or removed, thus breakingits' communication link with the main computer. This results in afailure from the perspective of the main computer. When the maincomputer sends an inquiry and does not receive a response, the airsuspension system is reported as disabled and an advisory message isdisplayed to the driver on the dashboard.

To solve the problem resulting from replacement of the air suspensionsystem with conventional coil springs and shocks, the air suspensioncontroller is removed or disconnected and an augmentor module isinstalled. When the augmentor module receives an inquiry from thevehicle main computer, the augmentor module can send a responseindicating to the main computer that the air suspension system isoperating properly.

As the vehicle is driven, the main computer module can send instructionsto the air suspension module and the instructions are intercepted by theaugmentor module and a response is sent to the main computer reportingthat the air suspension system is operating properly. In other words,the augmentor response results in the vehicles main computer recordingproper operation of the now replaced air suspension system. Since theair suspension system is reported as operating properly after receivinginstructions from the main computer module, the advisory message is notdisplayed.

As previously described, different vehicle manufacturers use differentcommunication bus structures, send different inquiry and command signalsand expect different responses from the air suspension module. To solvethe problem, a different augmentor module can be configured for eachdifferent bus structure and each embedded microcontroller is programmedto respond with a status response expected by the corresponding vehiclemain computer.

One skilled in the art should realize that the particularities in theaugmentor module should not be construed as limitations of the preferredembodiment. Various air suspension system configurations andcorresponding components and communication signals can be chosen andoptimized for a particular application to specific vehicle makes andmodels without deviating from the scope of the present invention toachieve a desired performance of the vehicle air suspension augmentedsystem.

The air suspension sensors and solenoid valves can be removed or left onthe vehicle with the leads from the components secured in place with,for example, wire ties. FIG. 4 c is a perspective view showing anexample of an augmentor module 400. As shown, the circuit board 300 isenclosed within the housing with only the connector 340 to the maincomputer bus exposed for connection. Although the augmentor module is adifferent size than the original air suspension controller, theaugmentor module can be mounted in approximately the same locationwithin the vehicle to avoid requiring a modification to the existingvehicle wiring harness.

Referring to FIGS. 4 a-4 d, the novel augmentor can be smaller than thecontroller that is being replaced and can have a length of approximately2.63 inches a width of approximately 1.40 inches and a thickness at oneend of approximately 0.43 inches and a thickness at an opposite end ofapproximately 0.68 inches.

FIG. 5 is a general operational flow diagram showing the operation of anovel augmentor module. As different vehicles have different busstructures, so do they have different messages, commands and senddifferent responses. As shown in FIG. 5, at power on, the augmentorsoftware program initializes the microcontroller, registers, and otheronboard devices then checks for messages in the bus. If a message isreceived, the augmentor module responds is a response corresponding tothe message received. The augmentor responds with the same message thatthe factory installed air suspension controller would respond with, thussimulating the original equipment. The primary difference is thatalthough the response to the vehicle main computer is the same as theoriginal equipment response, the augmentor module does not connect withor control an air suspension system. Instead the augmentor moduleprovides responses to indicate to the vehicle main computer that the airsuspension system is functioning properly.

The augmentor module software loops, checking for an active bus with amessage directed to the air suspension system. Depending on the make andmodel of the vehicle, the software varies. In one system, the augmentormodule “sleeps” until a message is received and another system can havea built in delay after which a status message is set. The firmware loopswaiting for messages and responding until power is removed. During theloop, when an inquiry or command is received from the main computer, theaugmentor microcontroller responds with a corresponding message.

For each different augmentor module, the status messages are the same asthe status messages sent by the factory Air Suspension Controller to thevehicle computer. While one vehicle air suspension system may simplyloop until a message is received and send a response, the augmentormodule for a more complex system can have firmware to determine whattype of message was received and then send a response corresponding tothe message received as shown in FIG. 6 in conjunction with FIG. 5.

In yet another system, the microcontroller can check for the number ofbytes received from the bus, check for parity error before responding tothe message. As another example, the complex system can turn theaugmentor module receive message “off” until after a response is sent,the receive message is turned back “on”. Simply put, the operation ofthe augmentor module of the present invention simulates the operation ofthe original equipment when responding to messages received.

The invention can be marketed as an augmentor module for air suspensionsystems that are being replaced with coils or shocks, or a kit thatincludes the augmentor module and a coil air suspension system for avehicle wheel, or a kit that includes the augmentor module with a shockfor a vehicle wheel, or other combinations, and the like.

The modified air suspension system in combination with the augmentormodule allows the vehicle to remain in service, without the “Check AirSuspension” warning message on the instrument panel that is adistracting artifact of the previous system with the air suspensioncontroller operating. The addition, the augmentor module of the presentinvention restores the good system status message to the vehiclecomputer and keeps the error message from appearing, and instead thevehicle main computer records that the original air suspension system iseither running or has been replaced with another similar operational airsuspension system.

The invention can include methods, systems and devices that allow forreplacing any other type of factory installed vehicle systems whichcommunicate status messages with a vehicle main computer with differentaftermarket products where a novel module can be used that preventsdashboard warning messages and warning indicators lights from beingactivated or that the original systems have been replaced with like typesystems. The invention can include methods, systems and devices thatallow for replacing factory installed vehicle systems which communicatestatus messages with a vehicle main computer with other types differentaftermarket products that use module to continuously send automatedmessages to an onboard vehicle computer that the original factoryinstalled vehicle systems are still running and are operational withoutany problems or that the original factory installed systems have beenreplaced with like type systems.

While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shownin various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it haspresumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be,nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such othermodifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings hereinare particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth andscope of the claims here appended.

We claim:
 1. A non-programmable augmentor module for replacing a vehicleair suspension controller comprising: a connector to mate an augmentermodule with an air suspension controller connector on a vehicle afterthe vehicle air suspension controller is disconnected; a microcontrollerwithin the augmentor module for executing a set of firmware instructionsstored in read only memory to simulate the disconnected air suspensioncontroller by responding to messages received from a vehicle maincomputer, the response comprising a simulated operation status messagecorresponding to the received message from the vehicle main computer,said instructions including an initial subset of instructions toinitialize the microcontroller including an instruction to clear one ormore microcontroller registers, a loop set of instructions tocontinuously monitor for an input message, and a status set ofinstructions to send the simulated operation status message in responseto receiving the input message to said vehicle main computer, saidsimulated message stating that the air suspension controller isoperating properly so that no advisory message or indicator light isdisplayed or lit on a dashboard of the vehicle; and a bus interfaceintegrated circuit to interface the microcontroller with the vehiclemain computer, wherein the augmentor module is not programmable and doesnot interface with air suspension valves and sensors.
 2. The augmentormodule of claim 1, wherein the loop set of firmware instructionscomprises: a message type set of instruction for determining a type ofmessage received and sending a message packet corresponding to the typeof message received, the message packet and timing corresponding one ofCAN bus, GM J1850 VPW bus, Ford UBP bus, ISO 9141 bus, and LIN bus. 3.The augmentor module of claim 2, wherein the loop set of instructionsincludes an instruction for checking a parity of the input messagereceived.
 4. The augmentor module of claim 1 wherein the bus interfacecomprises: a bus interface selected from a group consisting of CAN bus,GM J1850 VPW bus, Ford UBP bus, ISO 9141 bus, and LIN bus.
 5. Theaugmentor module of claim 1 further comprising: a voltage regulator toregulate power supplied to the microcontroller.
 6. The augmentor moduleof claim 1 further comprising: an indicator illuminated by the augmentormodule.
 7. The augmentor module of claim 1, wherein the correspondingoperation status message includes: a good system status message sent tothe vehicle main computer which prevents at least one of: an errormessage from appearing on the vehicle dashboard and an error warningindicator light from being activated on the vehicle dashboard, whereinthe vehicle main computer records that the air suspension system isrunning or has been replaced with another similar operational airsuspension system.
 8. A method for simulating a vehicle air suspensioncontroller module comprising the steps of: providing a non-programmableair suspension augmentor module with firmware for simulating the airsuspension controller module when an existing air suspension system on avehicle is replaced with coil spring or shock components, said firmwareincluding instructions, said instructions including an initial subset ofinstructions to initialize a microcontroller including an instruction toclear one or more microcontroller registers, a loop set of instructionsto continuously monitor for an input message, and a status set ofinstructions to send the simulated operation status message in responseto receiving the input message to said vehicle main computer, saidsimulated message stating that the air suspension controller isoperating properly so that no advisory message or indicator light isdisplayed or lit on a dashboard of the vehicle; disconnecting the airsuspension controller module from an air suspension controllerconnector; replacing the vehicle air suspension controller module withthe non-programmable air suspension augmentor module, the augmentormodule including a non-programmable microcontroller and a connector toconnect the augmentor module with the air suspension controllerconnector and an interface integrated circuit therebetween to interfacethe non-programmable microcontroller with a vehicle main computer;connecting the air suspension augmentor module to the air suspensioncontroller connector on the vehicle wiring harness; and receivingmessages at the augmentor module from the vehicle main computer via thewiring harness and sending a status message from the augmentor module inresponse based upon said instructions from said firmware, the statusmessage consisting of a corresponding simulated operation status messagewherein the air suspension augmentor module is not connected to airsuspension valves and sensors and is limited to receiving messages andsending simulated status messages.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein theproviding step comprises the steps of: providing the microcontrollerexecuting a set of instructions to respond to the input message from thevehicle main computer with the corresponding simulated operation statusmessage; and providing a bus interface between the microcontroller andthe vehicle main computer.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the stepof providing a bus interface comprises the step of: selecting the businterface from a group consisting of CAN bus, GM J1850 VPW bus, Ford UBPbus, ISO 9141 bus, and LIN bus.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein thereceiving step includes the step of: checking a parity of the inputmessage received.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the receiving stepincludes the step of: determining a type of message received; andsending a message packet corresponding to the type of message received,the message packet and timing corresponding one of CAN bus, GM J1850 VPWbus, Ford UBP bus, ISO 9141 bus, and LIN bus.
 13. The method of claim 8,wherein the step of sending the status message consists of the step of:sending a good system status message to the vehicle computer whichprevents at least one of: an error message from appearing on a vehicledashboard and an error warning indicator light from being activated onthe vehicle dashboard, wherein the vehicle main computer records that afactory installed air suspension system is running or has been replacedwith another similar operational air suspension system.
 14. An augmentormodule comprising: an augmentor simulation module housing to replace anair suspension controller for a vehicle when a coil spring or shockabsorber replaces an air suspension component, said housing including anaugmentor microcontroller; said augmentor microcontrollerhaving-read-only memory and a set of preprogrammed firmware instructionsstored in the read-only memory, wherein the augmentor modulecommunication with a vehicle main computer is limited to receivingmessages from the vehicle main computer and sending a simulatedoperation status message in response, said instructions including aninitial subset of instructions to initialize the microcontrollerincluding an instruction to clear one or more microcontroller registers,a loop set of instructions to continuously monitor for an input message,and a status set of instructions to send the simulated operation statusmessage in response to receiving the input message to said vehicle maincomputer, said simulated message providing the air suspension controlleris operating properly so that no advisory message or indicator light isdisplayed or lit on a dashboard of the vehicle, wherein installation ofthe augmentor module to replace the air suspension controller preventsat least one of: an error message from appearing on a vehicle dashboardand an error warning indicator light from being activated on the vehicledashboard since the augmentor module's status message simulates a airsuspension status message resulting in the vehicle main computerrecording that an installed air suspension system is running or has beenreplaced with another operational air suspension system; a connector toconnect with a vehicle air suspension controller; and an interfacebetween the augmentor microcontroller and the connector to allow themicrocontroller to communicate with the vehicle main computer.